A man arrested for unauthorized use of offender uniform

Loyiso Langeni
30 April 2014

A man identified as Golden Miles Bhudu was arrested on Tuesday for unauthorized use of prescribed sentenced offender uniform. 

Department of Correctional Services Spokesperson Manelisi Wolela said the South African Police Service is currently investigating the matter further.

“In terms of section 124 (b) of the correctional services act 211 of 1998 says any unauthorized person who wears or uses the prescribed sentenced offender dress or anything deceptively resembling them is guilty of an offense and liable on conviction to a fine or,

In default of payment, to incarceration for a period not exceeding 18 months or to such incarceration without the option of a fine or both,”   Wolela

Several suspects arrested for drug possession in Western Cape

Loyiso Langeni
30 April 2014

The Western Cape police made several arrests in Grassy Park, Ottery and Noordhoek for various crimes including dealing in drugs and being in possession of ammunition. 

In Grassy Park a 27-year-old was arrested while she was caught wrapping bags of tik with a street value of R100 000.

In another arrest two males aged 24 and 32-years-old and three females aged between 19 and 27-years-old were arrested in a house with drugs and undisclosed amount of money. 

Constable Phindiswa Gcume said our members immediately executed the search operation in the premises and found the 27 years-old female still busy taking small packets of tik then police members found small packets of tik and undisclosed amount of cash.

Gcume added that the female suspect was arrested on charges of dealing in drugs and has appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s court yesterday.

About 100 Imams graduate as marriage officers

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 April 2014

About 100 Imams who took part in the Department of Home Affair’s pilot programme to train as marriage officers graduated today in Pinelands.

The graduates are both from the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.  South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said the exam that the candidates had to write which was set by the Learning Academy of the Department of Home Affairs, had to obtain a mark of no less then 70 percent, which many exceeded. 

Motlanthe said the Imams who took part in the pilot programme received certificates that recognize them as Marriage Officers in accordance with the Marriage Act of 1961. 

Meanwhile Minister of Home Affairs Naledi Pandor who was also present at the graduation said the graduation of the 100 Imams is a first in the country’s long walk to a new society.

Pandor said the Department of Home Affairs is responsible to appoint all Marriage Officers who are expected to register all the marriages they officiate over. 

WCED says over 62 new schools to be built in the next three years

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 April 2014

The Department of Education in the Western Cape today said over the next three financial years new schools will be built including replacement and maintenance of others. 

The WCED is planning to build four schools in the Cape Winelands, ten schools in the Metro Central and eight schools in the Metro South. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronagh Casey said over the next three years communities will see the completion or the start of construction of 62 new and replacement schools which cost R 2.1billion.

She added that of these schools 22 are new schools, 10 are primary and 10 are secondary and some special schools. 

Protest action against King Mswati III

Bulelani Guwa
30 April 2014

Swaziland Solidarity Network has called on Swaziland people to join the protest action for peace and democracy.

Solidarity’s Lucky Lukhele said the protest action is against the rule of King Mswati III following the banned political parties since 1973 and all elementary democratic rights to freedom of association, speech political activity have been outlawed.

Lukhele added that a series of pickets and protest action will be done between the consulate in Braamfontein, Johannesburg and the High Commissioner in Pretoria.

Lukhele concluded that they will be demanding the release of political parties and against  the continuing harassment of the media  as well as human rights activists and lawyers  with one of the recent victims being  the secretary general and several of his comrades.

Accident leaves five injured in Bloemfontein

Bulelani Guwa
30 April 2014

An accident on the N8 in Bloemfontein late last night left five people injured. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon the arrival on scene they found that a light delivery vehicle had overturned resulting in five people sustaining injuries.

“One of the injured people was a two year old boy and all the injured people were treated on scene before they were transported to hospital for further medical care” Steinmann added. 

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation. 

 

The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources called upon to end mining sector crisis

Oscar Thomas
30 April 2014

 

The Democratic Alliance on Tuesday said the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources must be recalled to end crisis in the mining sector. 

DA MP of Mineral Resources James Lorimer said failure to not only end the strike within the platinum belt and create stability within the sector as a whole will decimate both domestic and foreign investor confidence and destroy prospects of future growth in the industry.

Lorimer said the platinum strike of about 70 000 people is nearing its 15^th week.

Lorimer said it is having a serious affect, not only the workers on strike but those who are not on strike are affected by possible mine closures which are looming because the industry is really approaching a point where it’s on its knees.

“We think that the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources should reconvene as fast as possible, try and finds ways to end this deadlock Lorimer added.

Police investigates the death of three children in Polokwane

Loyiso Langeni
30 April 2014

Police in Polokwane are investigating the deaths of three children aged between four and nine-years-old, who were killed in a fire. 

It is alleged that the children were sleeping when the mud hut they were in caught alight. 

Police said the children were at the time staying with their 46-year-old grandmother in the Mabidi Village. 

Police Spokesperson Ronel Otto said for now they have opened an inquest case but should the tests prove that the fire was set maliciously the charges will change.

“We are also investigating allegations that the mother of the children was involved in case of stock theft earliar this month.

She was arrested with a group of other people and appeared in court for the charge she was released on bail and is due to be in court again early next month.” Otto added.

The allegations are that the members of the community might have set the houses alight.

A 31 year old man critical after drowning incident

Loyiso Langeni
29 April 2014

A drowning incident at Snake Park beach in Durban this morning has left a 31-year-old man in a critical condition. 

When paramedics arrived on the scene they found the patient in a critical condition and being assessed by Rescue Care workers.

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija the fisherman then alerted the rescue care who went out to sea to bring him to shore after which CPR ensued.

“ER24 paramedics arrived on the beach they assist Rescue Care workers with stabilising the patient who was in a critical state.

After a 40-minute CPR operation, the patient’s pulse was restored and he was hurried to Addington Hospital for urgent medical care.” Majija added.

The incident is currently under investigations.

Government concerned about increase in human trafficking

Loyiso Langeni
29 April 2014

Government has expressed its concern in the increase of human trafficking. 

These as reports have revealed that people are being lured to the country with false promises of lucrative jobs. 

Government Spokesperson Phumla Williams said often criminal syndicates use this as an avenue to force people into prostitution, drug trafficking or forced labour. 

“The trafficking that is being reported in South Africa is a substitute of crime, unfortunately we will not be able to respond to it.

She also said those perpetrators that feel that there are victims of trafficking do not come forward and report to the police, therefore we are appealing to those who find themselves in situations where they abducted to contact the nearest law enforcement agencies to seek assistance in this regard,” Williams added.

Mixed views on the Ad Hoc Committee

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 April 2014

The Ad Hoc Committee which has been tasked to consider submission by the President on the Public Protector’s report said there was not enough time for it to do justice at hand, and that is why the report has resolved to the fifth Parliament. 

Committee Chairperson Fredrick Frolick said it is an important matter that must be dealt with and Parliament must apply its mind.

He added that proper procedures need to be implemented and not allow Parliament to be abused for political campaigns.

The Democratic Alliance on Monday said the passing of a motion by the African National Congress to refer the Nkandla Ad Hoc Committee to the fifth Parliament must be condemned in the strongest possible manner.

DA Parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko said it was without doubt delaying tactics were used to frustrate this legitimate process. 

Mazibuko Spokesperson Siviwe Gwarube said the DA argued that committee could legitimately extended and that key parties should be given a chance to take part. 

One person died and six others injured in an accident in the Northern Cape

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 April 2014

An accident this morning on the R31 near Kuruman in the Northern Cape left one person dead and six others seriously injured. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said paramedics arrived at the two vehicles were scattered on the road and one man was already dead.

He added that the injured patients were transported to hospital for further care. 

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation. 

Over 100 calls relating to drug abuse made to the WCED call centre

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 April 2014

The Western Cape Department of Education has confirmed that it received 135 calls in 2013 concerning substance abuse.

This was through its Schools Call Centre.

WCED’s Paddy Attwell said of this substance abuse five relates to alcohol, seven to cigarettes and 123 to drug abuse.

Attwell said these drug abuse mainly referred to tik and dagga.

He added that the schools received 37 calls for first term and most of were seeking advice.

One death and eight injured in separate incidents

Bulelani Guwa
29 April 2014

A fisherman died after he slipped on the rocks while he was fishing at Sheffield Beach on the Natal north coast. The exact details of the cause of his death will be investigated by police

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said he sustained very life threatening injuries when he smashed onto the rocks. The paramedics arrived there but tragically the man died on scene due to the severe injuries that he sustained.

Meanwhile on the M1 near Oxford Road in Parktown an accident left eight people seriously injured. The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon  the arrival on scene they found that a motor vehicle had rear ended a minibus resulting in eight people sustaining injuries ranging from serious to critical. All the injured people were treated on scene before they were transported to various hospitals for further medical care.

DA calling on Shabangu to answer about double dealing mining rights

Oscar Thomas
29 April 2014

The Democratic Alliance is calling on the Minister of Mineral Resources Susan Shabangu to answer about her department’s double dealing with regard to manganese mining rights in the Northern Cape.

DA MP of Mineral Resources James Lorimer said this follows the department’s inability or unwillingness to resolve disputed claims, resulting from the department’s own actions.

Lorimer said the problem that is going on with South Africa’s mining industry at the moment is Government is not laying out a clear path as to how mining can work.

Lorimer said this has been made worse by the fact that Mineral rights have excessively been given over to two different companies over the same piece of land.

“It’s made worse by this that one company is a state owned company.This might have disastrous effects in terms of chasing away investments which means chasing away jobs from South Africa. That is the great threat facing South Africa’s mining industry Lorimer added.

Kleinvlei Community Health Centre to be upgraded

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 April 2014

The Western Cape Department of Health said upgrade to Kleinvlei Community Health Centre will start in June. 

This follows several complaints from community members about long waiting times at the centre. 

MEC of Health Thenus Botha said the improvements through the upgrade will ensure the facility remains operational, and will be able to accommodate larger patient numbers for the next ten years. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Helene Rossouw said this centre is starting to experience the overload of patients and this is happening across all health platforms but it does need some upgrade which will be finished by next June.  

DHA released its statistics for the Easter weekend

Mluleki Mrwebi
28 April 2014

The Department of Home Affairs released its statistics for the Easter Holiday which revealed that the highest volume ports of entry during Easter weekend included Oliver Tambo International Airport and Beit Bridge amongst others. 

The top five nationalities who were recorded arriving and departing from the country were Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique and United Kingdom. 

Departmental Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said the department immigration section processed a total of 764 000 and 64 616 travelers at South Africa’s national ports of entry, for the period of the Easter weekend.

He added that total figure comprises of 535 950 foreigners and 218 South Africans. 

Sactwu starts wage negotiations

Mluleki Mrwebi
28 April 2014

The South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union has started its annual wage negotiations in the clothing, textiles and leather sectors. 

During current negotiations employers for the three sectors has offered a wage freeze and a 5.5 percent wage increase. 

The clothing sector has already declared a national wage dispute following the employers offer. 

Sactwu’s Deputy General Secretary Chris Gina said in looking for a demand of 13% and annual leave, bonuses and also improve grading system.

ACDP: improve conditions of schools in the province.

Loyiso Langeni
28 April 2014

The African Christian Democratic Party in the Western Cape is calling on MEC of Education Donald Grant to improve conditions of schools in the province.

ACDP Provincial Leader Ferlon Christians said they are horrified at the state of schools like Prince George Primary school, which is besieged by regular gang shootings, snakes and car accident through its fences. 

“It is sad that schools at day in age are battling to give extra teaching to learners we just heard about the school that are silently picketing about teachers cannot teach children in that environment Christians

As the ACDP we are calling on Donald Grant to intervene immediately to do something so that our learners can excel. The situation at Prince George Primary school does not lend itself to these conditions.” Christians added.

Missing Child Alert:

Four people escape burning vehicle in Woodstock

Loyiso Langeni
27 April 2014

ER24 paramedics rushed to an accident scene in Woodstock whereby a vehicle was alight.

Paramedics Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said four people were fortunate to escape the aggression of a burning vehicle.

Mjajija said when ER24 paramedics arrived on scene, the vehicle was well alight and all it’s occupants sitting on the road.

“One woman was seriously injured whilst her fellow travelers sustained moderate and minor injuries. It is alleged that the vehicle crashed into the road barrier after the driver lost control of it.

The male occupants managed to pull themselves out of the vehicle whereas the woman was pulled out by a motorcyclist moments before the vehicle burst into flames.” Majija added.

The patients were transported to nearby hospital for urgent medical care. The exact cause of the collision is currently under investigation.

Missing Child Alert:

18 year old pedestrian’s leg partially amputated

Loyiso Langeni
27 April 2014

ER24 Paramedics were called to an accident whereby an 18 year old pedestrian was hit by a vehicle on the R24 near Krugersdorp last night.

Paramedics Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said the screaming teenager was found lying along the road, in pain. Her leg was partially cut off in the collision and she also sustained abdominal injuries.

“ER24 who were alerted about the scene by bystanders, immediately treated the patient. Stabilisation of the teenager continued en route to Leratong Provincial Hospital where she would receive further medical care.” Majija added.

The vehicle that hit her was not found on scene.

The incident is under investigation by local authorities.

Man dies of heart attack at sea

Loyiso Langeni
26 April 2014

The National Sea Rescue Institute in Richards Bay along with Paramedics responded to a request for medical assistance from the coal freight ship sailing form Madagascar to Richards Bay.

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said a man on board a ship bound died of a suspected heart attack.

Lambinon added that the 45-year-old Philippine national reportedly suffered the attack on Friday, while on board a bulk coal carrier.

“on the arrival on scene the patient appearing to be in a stable condition, was secured into a stokes basket stretcher and lowered over the side of the ship onto our sea rescue craft where paramedics continued medical treatment,” said Lambinon.

The cause of death was being investigated by authorities.

 

Missing Adult Alert:

DA promises to fight for fishermen's rights

Loyiso Langeni
26 April 2014

The Democratic Alliance welcomed the ruling to grant line fishermen indefinite fishing exemption.  

The judgement by the Western Cape High court comes following the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries botched rights allocation process earlier this year. 

DA Deputy MP of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Pieter van Dalen said it is clear that Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson lacks the political will to create employment within her sector. 

“This is in huge victory for the poor fisherman that’s stoods up to the bullying and arrogant Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson who admitted that the authority has made it irrational decisions.

he ultimately has to take responsibility for this botched allocation process and we will continue our fight for the rights of these fishermen and keeping the minister to account” Van Dalen.

SACP: People in the WC still living under apartheid

Oscar Thomas
26 April 2014

The South African Communist Party in the Western Cape on Friday embarked on a march to the Provincial Legislature over service delivery. 

SACP Provincial Spokesperson Masonwabe Sokoyi said as a party they have witnessed the divisive development pattern that has since reduced the working class to sub-human living conditions, which is unacceptable.

Sokoyi said the masses of our people in the province have nothing to celebrate as they are still subjected to policies that colonel and apartheid segregation under the DA government.

“For the people of the Western Cape, the workers and the poor have witnessed and experienced first hand the nature of how the DA treats people in this province” Sokoyi added.

 

An accident in Paarl claims three lives

Oscar Thomas
25 April 2014

An accident this morning in Paarl claimed the lives of three people.  It is believed that two cars collided into each other causing the accident.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find the two badly damaged vehicles stationed several meters apart. The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation.

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said the driver of the first vehicle a 34 year old female was trapped in her vehicle. After she was rapidly extricated from her vehicle advanced life support interventions were performed on her. Then after 90 minutes resuscitation the women succumbed to her severe injuries.

“The two occupants of the second vehicle were found already deceased. The driver was found ejected from his vehicle while the passenger was still in his seat” Majija added.    

List of candidates published for the election on 7th of May

Oscar Thomas
25 April 2014

The Electoral Commission today published the list of candidates for the May 7^th elections and a total of 8 651 candidates from 45 political parties are contesting in the elections.

IEC Spokesperson Kate Bapela said the number of candidates this election is slightly lower compared to 2009 whereby 9 117 candidates appeared on the list. There is an increase of women contesting within the elections because in 2009 we were sitting at 38.5%.

Bapela said when you look at the provinces that are leading with women who are contesting within the elections its Western Cape and Northern Cape leading with Western Cape being 43% and Northern Cape being 37%.

“Looking at the age gap we’ve got the highest age bend with candidates being over 40-years which comprises of 64.68% Bapela added.

55 year old man rescued after falling overboard a fishing ski-boat

Oscar Thomas
25 April 2014

 A 55-year-old man from Van Der Bijl Park in Johannesburg was rescued by National Sea Rescue Institute volunteer sea rescue crew in Port Edward this morning.

It is believed that the man had fallen overboard a fishing ski-boat at Silver Beach.

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said it appeared a boat had been side slanted by a wave.

Lambinon said the man fell overboard two lifeguards from the ubuntu lifeguards went in and rescued the man. They brought him to the beach where NSRI medics treated him for a fractured left tibia.

“He was taken to the sea rescue station and treated further before a Netcare 911 ambulance arrived and transported him to hospital in a stable condition” Lambinon added.

In another incident NSRI Shelly Beach volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following a ski-boat that had mechanical failure.  The boat had five crew members on board. 

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the five crew members were taken off the boat and brought safely ashore by NSRI Shelley beach.

Lambinon said the marine motor mechanic brought the marine in safely under reduced power. The owner will arrange to have his motor repaired. 

30 year old man knocked over by car in Roodepoort

Oscar Thomas
25 April 2014

ER24 paramedics attended to an accident scene this morning whereby a 30-year-old man sustained serious injuries. 

This is after he was knocked over by a car on Ontdekkers road in Roodepoort.  The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation. 

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said ER24 paramedics and A1 assist tow truckers found the man trapped beneath the vehicle and immediately initiated a operation to remove him. The tow truck lifted the vehicle off the pedestrian who sustained multiple suspected fractures and was bleeding considerably.

Majija said after paramedics freed the man he was transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. The man had been trapped for approximately 10 minutes when paramedics arrived on the scene.

“If the rescue operation was delayed any further the weight of the vehicle would’ve caused grievous bodily harm” Majija added.  

WC MEC Carlisle welcomes new system for license plates

Oscar Thomas
25 April 2014

Western Cape MEC of Transport and Public Works Robin Carlisle has welcomed the new system by the national department of transport to change license plate for security measures.

MEC Carlisle said they want number plates that are visible, readable and that do not open themselves to fraud. 

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters said the changes would include standardized license plates across the country. 

MEC Carlisle said people are increasingly removing their number plates so that they can go through speed traps without being caught.

“This is an important development without going into the details the new number plates will also have certain functions and certain characteristics which will enable us to people who are doing things they shouldn’t be doing much quicker. That will make it almost impossible to remove and replace number plates” Carlisle added.

Four people dead in head on collisions

Bulelani Guwa
25 April 2014

Three people died and two were left seriously injured this morning in an accident on the Van Reenen Pass in KwaZulu-Natal.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon arrival on scene they found that a light delivery vehicle and heavy goods vehicle had collided head on resulting in three people tragically losing their lives. 

 

Steinmann said a 10 year old child sustained critical injuries and another man sustained serious injuries. The two patients were treated on scene before they were rushed to hospital for further medical care.

Meanwhile in another accident one person died and two others were injured in a vehicle collision on the N4 between Brits and Mooi Nooi this morning. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said two vehicles had collided head on resulting in one person losing their life and two people sustaining injuries. The injured people were treated on before they were transported to hospital for further medical care. 

A man injured after being knocked by a car

Bulelani Guwa
25 April 2014

A man was last night left critically injured this is after he was knocked over by a light motor vehicle on William Nicol drive in Fourways.

ER24 paramedics found the man lying on the road with his clothes baldy torn.

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said on upon  assessment paramedics discovered that the patient sustained major head trauma. Advanced life support was performed on the patient while the ER24 medical helicopter were called in to assist in the treatment of the patient

“Once the patient was in a stable condition he was transported by the medical helicopter to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment. The cause of the incident is unknown and local authorities were on scene for further investigation” said Meiring.